Moving to Battle Creek
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Brethren, I entreat you to compare your own spiritual state as it
now is with what it was when you were actively engaged in the cause
of Christ. While helping and encouraging the church you were gaining
a useful experience and keeping your own souls in the love of God.
As you have ceased to work for others, has not your own love grown
cold and your zeal languid? And how is it with your children? Are
they more firmly established in the truth and more devoted to God than
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before coming to this large church?
The influence exerted by some who have long been connected with
the work of God is fatal to spirituality and devotion. These gospel-
hardened youth have surrounded themselves with an atmosphere of
worldliness, irreverence, and infidelity. Dare you risk the effect of such
associations upon your children? It would be better for them never to
obtain an education than to acquire it at the sacrifice of principle and
the blessing of God.
Among the youth who come to Battle Creek there are some who
maintain their fidelity to God in the midst of temptation, but the number
is small. Many who come here with confidence in the truth, in the
Bible, and in religion have been led astray by irreligious associates
and have returned to their homes doubting every truth which we as a
people hold dear.
Let all our brethren who contemplate removing to Battle Creek,
or sending their children here, consider the matter well before taking
this step. Unless the forces at this great center are keeping the fort,
unless the faith and devotion of the church are proportioned to her
privileges and opportunities, this is the most dangerous position which
you can choose. I have seen the condition of this church as angels look
upon it. There is a spiritual deception upon both the people and the
watchmen. They maintain the forms of religion, but lack the abiding
principles of righteousness. Unless there is a decided change, a marked
transformation in this church, the school here should be removed to
some other locality.
Had the youth who have lived here for years improved their privi-
leges, several who are now skeptics would have devoted themselves to
the work of the ministry. But they have considered it an evidence of
intellectual superiority to doubt the truth and have been proud of their
independence in cherishing infidelity. They have done despite to the
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Spirit of grace and have trampled upon the blood of Christ.